07-27-2024, 06:33 AM
Fritz,
I've found iPhone apps DeepL and Linguee helpful in translating on the fly (Spanish in my case). Free on the App Store, both appear Portuguese-capable. While not language learning programs, they're handy when needed for "off script" use. (Another favorite app, SpanishDict!, seems, alas, to have no Portuguese equivalent.)
I was fortunate to have Spanish speaking coworkers in the recent past. That's the best. I also listen to some podcasts in Spanish. Even when they're too fast for me, repeated passive listening helps "tune the ear" to the language's cadence, rhythm, and structure so that the jumble of syllables becomes recognizable sentences, words and phrases. I'm understanding them better. My job often allows for listening while working, so it's like being paid to learn Spanish. Good while commuting, too.
The Internet has tons of useful stuff. See what YouTube may offer in Portuguese. I've found many good Spanish lesson videos. I have a friend whose family escaped to the USA when he was 5 years old. He said he learned English mainly by watching cartoons on TV. Though I haven't yet tried that method, I will on YouTube. I've found many songs in Spanish on YouTube; I imagine there are many in Portuguese as well.
If you use an iPhone you could try changing the system language to Portuguese. As you're already familiar with the labels, prompts, and functions, you can reinforce your grasp of the new language by daily use. My phone's set to Spanish.
I hope you'll find some of this helpful. It'll feel good as you become increasingly competent, even if not yet fluent, in your chosen language. Best of luck, Fritz!
I've found iPhone apps DeepL and Linguee helpful in translating on the fly (Spanish in my case). Free on the App Store, both appear Portuguese-capable. While not language learning programs, they're handy when needed for "off script" use. (Another favorite app, SpanishDict!, seems, alas, to have no Portuguese equivalent.)
I was fortunate to have Spanish speaking coworkers in the recent past. That's the best. I also listen to some podcasts in Spanish. Even when they're too fast for me, repeated passive listening helps "tune the ear" to the language's cadence, rhythm, and structure so that the jumble of syllables becomes recognizable sentences, words and phrases. I'm understanding them better. My job often allows for listening while working, so it's like being paid to learn Spanish. Good while commuting, too.
The Internet has tons of useful stuff. See what YouTube may offer in Portuguese. I've found many good Spanish lesson videos. I have a friend whose family escaped to the USA when he was 5 years old. He said he learned English mainly by watching cartoons on TV. Though I haven't yet tried that method, I will on YouTube. I've found many songs in Spanish on YouTube; I imagine there are many in Portuguese as well.
If you use an iPhone you could try changing the system language to Portuguese. As you're already familiar with the labels, prompts, and functions, you can reinforce your grasp of the new language by daily use. My phone's set to Spanish.
I hope you'll find some of this helpful. It'll feel good as you become increasingly competent, even if not yet fluent, in your chosen language. Best of luck, Fritz!